Boeing 787 Dreamliner begins UK tour

Boeing's latest aircraft, the 787 Dreamliner, has made its first visit to the UK touching down at London Heathrow Airport yesterday. The airliner was greeted by bosses from Thompson, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways as it made its stop at the London hub as part of a word tour.

The 787 Dreamliner boasts a number of advanced features including a fuselage constructed of a composite material that enables it fly to over 50% further whilst using approximately 20% less fuel than its existing aviation counterparts.

Larger aisles and higher ceilings are not the only additions to enhance passenger comfort. The next generation of aircraft has larger windows, advanced led lighting and a cleaner air system to minimise dehydration in-flight and subsequently jetlag.

Of the three British companies to greet the 787 yesterday, Thompson will be the first to take delivery next year with British Airways following suit and Virgin Atlantic taking the first of its 16 planes in 2014.

Production delays meant that the airliner did not start carrying passengers until autumn last year when Japanese Airline, ANA begin operations.

The Dreamliner will also visit Manchester and Gatwick airports before continuing on the world tour.